MILES CITY, MONTANA: The orientation days scheduled for Miles Community College’s fall semester will be held on their previously scheduled dates, with online completion options being added to all sessions. SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration) will be held on campus Wednesday, August 12; Thursday, August 13; and Tuesday, September 4 from 8:30am-4:00pm each day. All new students, including transfer students and students returning after an absence of more than five years, are required to attend one SOAR orientation before they register for their first semester of courses at MCC.
SOAR sessions are held at the beginning of each semester to allow new students to become acquainted with programs and support services throughout campus, along with introducing them to their responsibilities as an MCC student. Time is set aside to meet with advisors and register for classes. Parents and guests are encouraged to attend, with specific programs curated just for them, with time allotted to meet college officials, learn about campus services, and understand more about the MCC community. A light continental breakfast and lunch will be provided to all registered students and guests.
Due to recent COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions, these orientation sessions will look slightly different than years past. To reduce total group sizes, as well as to provide students and guests with alternate SOAR options, virtual options have been added to all sessions. Students who will be on-campus for classes in the fall can choose to complete SOAR virtually or in person. Students who have course loads that are 100% online will still have the option to complete the orientation virtually. While large portions of the virtual session have been pre-recorded and can be viewed at any time, it is advised that students be available from 8:30am-4:00pm during their registered orientation day. Appointments with advisors will be available during that time.
Proper social distancing guidelines will be adhered during the face-to-face portions of the in-person SOAR sessions. This will require that some sections and material from orientation will be delivered virtually to be completed online in order to adhere to COVID-19 restrictions. Hand sanitizer will be available to all participants, and masks/face coverings will be required of all visitors on campus. Disposable face masks will be available during the orientation, but students and guests are welcome to bring their own from home. Extra efforts have also been taken by MCC staff to ensure proper cleaning measures are taken place throughout campus.
Students must be accepted for admission before attending a SOAR session, with all proper documentation processed by the MCC admissions office prior to registering.
For more information about MCC, SOAR orientation, or to apply for admission, please visit www.milescc.edu or call 406.874.6100.
